EC in action mode ; bans Yogi Adityanath and Mayawati for breaking model code of conduct, action on Azam khan awaited

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Dalit icon Mayawati both are barred from campaigning by Election Commission due to polarizing statements they made. The EC is reportedly acting in response to SC questioning on how it is curbing violation of codes during election.

Yogi Adityanath had made a statement saying Congress is infected by a “green virus”, a reference to muslims. “If you have faith in Ali, we have faith in Bajrangbali” he says at a public rally. Yogi is seen as a communal and a firebrand leader by many. While BSP chief Mayawati specifically asked Muslim community to not split their votes towards BJP or Congress and make mahagatbandhan or grand-alliance victorious. BSP is in alliance with Samajwadi Party (SP) in crucial Uttar Pradesh state.

Azam Khan controversy
In a reportedly inappropriate and misogynistic statement Samajwadi Party leader Azam khan made against BJP candidate and former actress Jaya Prada, referring to her ‘underwear’ is being criticized widely.
In a video he can be heard saying, “Jisko hum ungli pakadkar Rampur laaye, aapne 10 saal jinse apna pratinidhitva karaya…Uski asliyat samajhne mein aapko 17 baras lage,main 17 din mein pehchan gaya ki inke niche ka underwear khaki rang ka hai”.

National Commission for Women (NCW) termed the statement as “extremely derogatory and disrespectful to the dignity of women” in a tweet, demanding immediate action against the candidate.

Top brass BJP leaders weighed in to controversy terming opposition mindset as “cheap” and silence of SP’s allies as ”surprising”.